Huh?

What did you say?

Walking around with your fingers in your ears at weddings? Try this.  If the music is unbearably loud: hum.  This will drop the music decibel level by about ten points.  If that doesn’t work, come over and ask me for a pair of ear plugs.  I usually carry extras.

How to Look Great in Portraits

When you know that there might be a photographer around, do you break into a cold sweat?  Do you shake?  Do you duck behind the nearest bush or crawl under a table?

You are not alone.

In fact, you are one of the millions of people that hate to have their picture taken.

And if it makes you feel better, those models in the magazines need help.  Before a photographer snaps the shutter, the hair stylist and makeup artist have done their magic.

This article is in response to people asking about better picture taking.  I put to together a few ideas that might make you look better and more comfortable in pictures.  Our photographers know how to use lighting and angles to bring out your best.  This is for the amateur Abbas making family memories.

First and foremost in my book is to relax.  Faces reveal a lot about what’s going on inside.   Someone who is stressed will transmit that stress in a photograph. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, relax every muscle in your face, and then picture yourself in a favorite vacation spot!  It may sound crazy, but people are always happier with there photos after performing that quick and easy relaxation technique.

Harsh sunlight can be tough on people.  Few people look good squinting.  Also, the sun’s hard light will show more texture and form unattractive, deep shadows.  Open shade or a soft window will usually produce the best photographs of people.  As long as light casts soft, pleasing shadows that show the shape of the face, you’ll get a pleasing result.

Regarding makeup: less is more.  The sublime “chein” of a Yiddishe panim shouldn’t be covered.

If you tend to look heavy in photos, it is not your fault.  The camera notoriously adds at least ten pounds.  It’s good to remember that darker colors recede and lighter colors attract attention. Also, angle yourself to the person shooting.  Never stand straight to the shooter.  When posing, remember another simple rule: if it’s a joint, bend it!  Just a subtle bend of arms and legs will eliminate stiffness.  It will make you look relaxed, natural and thinner.  Last, but not least, props can be used to accentuate the positive and hide any negative.

The reason one takes a picture is to capture that fleeting moment, to memorialize that slice of time for eternity.  If you remember these tips the next time a camera will be around, you’ll find it easier to smile and be happy.  Go ahead, you look great!

-Aryeh